Sifuna reportedly stated that he is a man who was circumcised with a knife, suggesting that no one can easily remove him from his position as the party’s secretary general.
The remarks quickly drew mixed reactions across the political divide and on social media.
Political analyst Kasamuel McOure has strongly criticized the statement, arguing that it taps into tribal stereotypes that have long been used in Kenyan politics.
He said such language is dangerous, especially in a country still grappling with the effects of ethnic polarization.
According to McOure, ODM draws significant support from regions where circumcision has historically been politicized and used as a marker of identity.
He warned that invoking such imagery risks reinforcing divisions rather than promoting issue-based politics.
McOure noted that during political campaigns, leaders often rely on tribal tropes to mobilize support, a practice he says undermines national unity.
He argued that leaders of major parties like ODM should be more cautious with their words, given their influence on public discourse.
The remarks come at a time when ODM is facing internal pressure and broader national conversations around cohesion and inclusivity.
Observers say the controversy highlights the delicate balance political leaders must strike when asserting authority without alienating sections of the population.
Sifuna has not issued a detailed clarification on the comments, but allies maintain that his words were metaphorical and meant to emphasize resilience and political toughness.
Nonetheless, critics insist that metaphors rooted in ethnic practices can easily be misinterpreted and inflame tensions.
As Kenya edges closer to future electoral contests, analysts argue that leaders will increasingly be judged not just by their actions, but by the language they use to rally supporters and defend their positions.
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